The 2012 election is shaping up as a big one in the House for Hispanics, they could win congressional seats in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Florida.

NALEO represents more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials throughout the United States.

According to the 2011 Directory of Latino Elected Officials published by the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) there are currently 5,850 Latinos serving in elected offices nationwide.

As demographics shift and political districts are redrawn, Latino politicians are challenging traditionally black or white incumbents, altering the political landscape

The mayor of recession-proof San Antonio is a bright hope for Democrats.

Major GOP presidential candidates are threatening to boycott a debate sponsored by Univision, the Spanish-language media giant. Six candidates, including Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, have indicated that they may not attend Univision’s proposed January debate because of a dust-up over coverage of Senator Marco Rubio (Rep.-Florida).

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez acknowledged last week that she is descended from illegal immigrants. But as governor, she's taken a strong stance against illegal immigration. In that way, she's testing the boundaries for a new kind of conservative.

Rapid Latino population growth and a smattering of newly created Latino House districts across the country are giving the group a chance to amplify its voice in Congress. But talk to Latino leaders, and you won’t hear a whole lot of optimism about 2012.